COPD
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) with standard exhalation valve does not improve maximum exercise capacity in patients with COPD.
Although BiPAP has been used as an adjunct to exercise, little is know about its effect on exercise in COPD. We aimed to evaluate the acute effect of BiPAP delivered with a standard valve (Vision, Respironics), compared to no assist, on exercise capacity in individuals with COPD. ⋯ Use of BiPAP with a standard exhalation valve during exercise increases VT and VE at the expense of augmenting VCO2 and dyspnea, which in turns reduces WLpeak in COPD patients.